Modified pigments having improved dispersing properties

ABSTRACT

Various modified pigment products are described which are preferably capable of being dispersed in a variety of materials such as coatings, inks, toners, films, plastics, polymers, elastomers, and the like. The modified pigments are pigments having attached groups, such as polymeric groups, onto the pigment by means other than adsorption. A modified pigment product is described comprising a pigment having attached at least one group comprising the formula:
 
—X—[NIon] p R
 
wherein X comprises an aromatic group or an alkyl group, NIon comprises at least one type of non-ionic group, R represents hydrogen or comprises an aromatic group or an alkyl group, and p represents an integer of from 1 to 500. Modified pigment products are also described comprising a pigment having attached at least one alkylene oxide group or at least one polymeric group. In addition, other types of modified pigment products are described as well as their incorporation into inks, coatings, toners, films, plastics, polymers, elastomers, and the like. Methods of making the modified pigment products are also described.

This application is a divisional of non-provisional application Ser. No.09/285,253, filed Apr. 2, 1999 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,965, which claimspriority to provisional application Ser. No. 60/080,598, filed Apr. 3,1998, the specification of which is incorporated in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to pigments which can be used in a varietyof applications, and more particularly relates to the modification ofpigments to improve various properties.

Pigments have been used in a variety of applications, such as in inks,coatings, toners, plastics, rubber, films, and the like. Common goals ineach of these applications are to provide a pigment which is capable ofbeing substantially and uniformly dispersed, and capable of remainingdispersed in the composition so that color and other propertiesexhibited by the pigment are uniform throughout the composition ormaterial which incorporates the pigment. The improvement in thedispersibility and dispersion stability of pigments has been attemptedpreviously and has included coating or adsorbing various surfactantsonto the pigment. However, merely adsorbing or coating pigments hadpotentially several disadvantages. First, adsorbed surfactants aredependent on the physical properties of the surrounding materials, suchas the solvent with the ink. In such a situation, an equilibrium mayexist between the surface of the pigment and the solvent for surfactantaffinity. Solubility issues involving the surfactant and the solvent mayalso come into effect. Other considerations which can effect adsorbedsurfactants are the concentration of the pigment, the type ofsurfactants used, and the temperature and pH of the composition ormaterial containing the pigment. Any one or more of these physicalproperties can cause the removal of the surfactant from the surface ofthe pigment and create additional surfactant in the bulk liquid ormedium which may negatively effect the dispersion stability and otherproperties of the bulk liquid such as foaming, surface tension,viscosity, film strength, film elasticity, and the like. In addition,the excess surfactant which may be found in conventional pigments mayalso be detrimental to plastic or film-forming properties, such ascolor, strength, elongation, elasticity, and the like. Accordingly,there is a desire in the art to improve the dispersibility anddispersion stability of pigments with respect to overcoming one or moreof the above-described disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A feature of the present invention is to provide modified pigmentproducts which are capable of improving the dispersibility anddispersion stability of the pigment in compositions and formulations.

Another feature of the present invention is to provide ink, coating,toner, polymer, paper, film, and rubber formulations which incorporatethe modified pigment products of the present invention.

An additional feature of the present invention is to provide a method toimprove the dispersibility and dispersion stability of pigments invarious compositions and formulations.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will be setforth in part in the description which follows, and in part will beapparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of thepresent invention. The objectives and other advantages of the presentinvention will be realized and obtained by means of the elements andcombinations particularly pointed out in the written description andappended claims.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, thepresent invention relates to a modified pigment product containing apigment having attached at least one group comprising the formula:—X—[NIon]_(p)Rwherein X represents an aromatic group or an alkyl group, NIonrepresents at least one type of non-ionic group, R represents hydrogen,a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic group, or a substituted orunsubstituted alkyl group, and p represents an integer of from 1 to 500.

The present invention further relates to a modified pigment productcontaining a pigment having attached at least one group comprising theformula:—X[A]_(p)Rwherein X represents an aromatic group or an alkyl group; A representsan alkylene oxide group of from about 1 to about 12 carbons; prepresents an integer of from 1 to 500, and R represents hydrogen, asubstituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, or a substituted orunsubstituted aromatic group. A can be the same or different when p isgreater than 1. X can be substituted or unsubstituted and can includesubstituted groups such as an ester group, an amide group, an ethergroup, a carbonyl group, an aryl group, an alkyl group, and the like.The substituted groups can be attached or linked to A.

The present invention in addition, relates to a modified pigment productcontaining a pigment having attached at least one group comprising theformula:—X—[(CH₂)_(m)—O—]_(p)Rwherein X represents an aromatic group or an alkyl group, m representsan integer of from 1 to 12, preferably 2 or 3, p represents an integerof from 1 to 500, and R represents hydrogen, a substituted orunsubstituted alkyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aromaticgroup.

Further, the present invention relates to a modified pigment productcomprising a pigment having attached at least one polymeric group,wherein the polymeric group comprises the formula:—X—[polymer]Rwherein X represents at least an aromatic group or an alkyl group,“polymer” represents repeating monomer or multiple monomer groups orboth, optionally having at least one X′ group. The total monomerrepeating units is from about 1 to about 500. R represents hydrogen, abond, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, or a substituted orunsubstituted aromatic group. When X represents an alkyl group, the“polymer” preferably has no ionic or ionizable group. X′ represents anaromatic group or alkyl group and each X′ and X can be the same ordifferent. X and/or X′ can be substituted or unsubstituted and caninclude substituted groups such as an ester group, an amide group, anether group, and the like. The substituted groups can be linked to“polymer”. Also, when R represents a bond, the available bond can beattached to the pigment.

The present invention also relates to ink compositions containing atleast one modified pigment product of the present invention and at leastone ink vehicle.

The present invention also relates to coating compositions comprising atleast one modified pigment product of the present invention and at leastone coating vehicle.

The present invention also relates to toner compositions containing atleast one modified pigment product of the present invention and resinparticles.

Also, the present invention relates to a rubber products, polymer (e.g.,plastics) products, and films containing conventional ingredients incombination with at least one modified pigment product of the presentinvention.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are intended to provide further explanation of the presentinvention, as claimed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention in general relates to various types of modifiedpigment products which are preferably capable of dispersing in a varietyof materials including, but not limited to, liquids (aqueous andnon-aqueous), polymers (e.g., thermoplastics and thermosets), elastomers(e.g., synthetic and/or natural rubbers), coatings (e.g., paints), inks(e.g., printing inks and inkjet inks), liquid and solid toners, films,and the like. The pigments are modified such that chemical groups (e.g.,polymeric and organic) are attached onto the pigment which provides amore stable attachment of the groups onto the pigment compared toadsorbed groups, e.g., polymers, surfactants and the like.

In each of the following formulas, —X is attached directly to thepigment and —X′ can be directly attached to the pigment.

One preferred modified pigment product is a pigment having attached atleast one group comprising the formula:—X—[NIon]_(p)Rwherein X represents an aromatic group or an alkyl group, NIonrepresents at least one non-ionic group, R represents hydrogen, anaromatic group, or an alkyl group, and p is an integer of from 1 to 500.

The aromatic group with respect to the X substituent and/or the Rsubstituent can be substituted or unsubstituted and can be, forinstance, an aryl or heteroaryl group. The aromatic group can besubstituted with any group, such as one or more alkyl groups or arylgroups. Preferably, the aromatic group is a phenyl, naphthyl,anthracenyl, phenanthrenyl, biphenyl, pyridinyl, benzothiadiazolyl, orbenzothiazolyl. Examples of the alkyl group with respect to the Xsubstituent and/or the R substituent include, but are not limited to,substituted or unsubstituted alkyl groups which may be branched orunbranched. The alkyl group can be substituted with one or more groups,such as aromatic groups. Preferred examples of the alkyl group forpurposes of the X substituent include, but are not limited to, C₁–C₁₂,like methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, or hexyl groups. In otherwords, X and/or R can represent a branched or unbranched, substituted orunsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon. Examples ofsubstituted groups include, but are not limited to, an ester group, anamide group, an ether group, a carboxyl group, an aryl group, an alkylgroup, and the like.

Examples of the non-ionic group include, but are not limited to, groupshaving no apparent ionic charge, such as polymers of ethylene oxide,propylene oxide, other alkylene oxides, carboxylic acid esters, glycols,alcohols, esters, alkanolamine-fatty acid condensates, silicones,isocyanates, alkylpyrrolidenes, and alkylpolyglycosides. In non-aqueousmedia, the non-ionic group, in addition to the aforementioned groups,may have carboxylates, sulfonates, phosphates, amines, and other groupsthat typically demonstrate an ionic nature in water. The non-ionic groupis preferably a C₁–C₁₂ alkyl group, or a C₁–C₁₂ alkylene oxide group. pcan be 1–25, 26–50, 51–75, 75–100, and/or 101–500, and p preferably is 5to 50.

The X substituent and/or non-ionic group may be substituted with one ormore functional groups. The functional group preferably contains alypophilic group. Examples of functional groups include, but are notlimited to, R′, OR′, COR′, COOR′, OCOR′, carboxylates, halogens, CN,NR′₂, SO₃H, sulfonates, —OSO₃, NR′(COR′), CONR′₂, NO₂, PO₃H₂,phosphonates, phosphates, N═NR′, SOR′, NSO₂R′, wherein R′ which can bethe same or different, is independently hydrogen, branched or unbranchedC₁–C₂₀ substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturatedhydrocarbons, e.g., alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted orunsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, substitutedor unsubstituted alkyoaryl, or substituted or unsubstituted arylalkyl.

Amines also represent examples of functional groups as well asquaternary ammonium groups (—NR₃ ⁺)and quaternary phosphonium groups(—PR₃ ⁺), as well as quaternary sulfonium groups (—SR₂ ³⁰ ).

In an additional embodiment of the present invention, the modifiedpigment product can be a pigment having attached at least groupcomprising the formula:—X[A]_(p)Rwherein X represents an aromatic group or an alkyl group; A representsan alkylene oxide group of from about 1 to about 12 carbons; prepresents an integer of from 1 to 500, and R represents hydrogen, asubstituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, or a substituted orunsubstituted aromatic group. A can be the same of different when p isgreater than 1. X can be substituted or unsubstituted and can includesubstituted groups such as an ester group, an amide group, an ethergroup, a carbonyl group, an aryl group, an alkyl group and the like. Thesubstituted groups can be attached or linked to A.

Examples of preferred alkylene groups include, but are not limited to,—CH₂—CH₂—O—; —CH(CH₃)—CH₂—O—; —CH₂CH₂CH₂—O—; or combinations thereof.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the modified pigmentproduct can be a pigment having attached at least one group comprisingthe formula:—X—[(—CH₂)_(m)—O—)_(p)—R]wherein X is described above, and for instance can represent an aromaticgroup or an alkyl group as described earlier, m is an integer of from 1to 12, preferably 2 or 3, p is an integer of from 1 to 500, and R isdescribed above, and for instance can be hydrogen, a substituted orunsubstituted alkyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aromaticgroup. Examples of R substituents include, but are not limited to,hydrogen, methyl, ethyl,butyl, or propyl groups p can be 1–25, 26–50,51–75, 76–100, and 101–500, and is preferably 5 to 50. Particularlypreferred groups of this formula are where X is a benzene group, m is 1to 5, and more preferably 2 or 3, p is 5 to 50, more preferably 4445,and R is hydrogen or a methyl group. Another preferred group is where mis 2, p is 7, R is a methyl group, and X is a benzene group.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the modified pigmentproduct can be a pigment having attached at least one polymeric group,wherein the polymeric group comprises the formula:—X—[polymer]Rwherein X is described above, and for instance can represent at least anaromatic group or at least an alkyl group as described earlier,“polymer” comprises repeating monomer groups or multiple monomer groupsor both, optionally having at least one —X′ group. The ‘polymer’ can besubstituted or unsubstituted with additional groups, and R is describedabove, and for instance can represent hydrogen, a bond, a substituted orunsubstituted alkyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aromaticgroup. When X represents an alkyl group, the “polymer” preferably has noionic or ionizable group. X′ represents an aromatic group or alkylgroup, and each X′ and X can be the same or different. The total monomerrepeating units that comprise the “polymer” is not greater than about500 monomer repeating units. X and/or X′ can be substituted orunsubstituted and can include substituted groups such as an ester group,an amide group, an ether group, and the like. The substituted groups canbe linked to the “polymer.” Also, when R represents a bond, theavailable bond can be attached to the pigment. When X represents analkyl group in this formula, the polymeric group preferably has no ionicor ionizable group. The polymeric group can be any polymeric groupcapable of being attached to a pigment.

For purposes of the present invention and this formula immediatelyabove, one or more polymeric groups that comprise the “polymer” can bepresent. The polymeric group can be a thermoplastic polymeric group or athermosetting polymeric group. Further, the polymeric group can be ahomopolymer, copolymer, terpolymer, and/or a polymer containing anynumber of different repeating units. Further, the polymeric grouppresent in the present invention can be any type of polymeric group,such as a random polymer, alternating polymer, graft polymer, blockpolymer, star-like polymer, and/or comb-like polymer. The polymericgroup used in the present invention can also be one or more polyblends.The polymeric group can be an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN);simultaneous interpenetrating polymer network (SIN); or interpenetratingelastomeric network (IEN).

Specific examples of polymeric groups include, but are not limited to,linear-high polymers such as polyethylene, poly(vinylchloride),polyisobutylene, polystyrene, polycaprolactam (nylon), polyisoprene, andthe like. Other general classes of polymeric groups of the presentinvention are polyamides, polycarbonates, polyelectrolytes, polyesters,polyethers, (polyhydroxy)benzenes, polyimides, polymers containingsulfur (such as polysulfides, (polyphenylene) sulfide, andpolysulfones), polyolefins, polymethylbenzenes, polystyrene and styrenecopolymers (ABS included), acetal polymers, acrylic polymers,acrylonitrile polymers and copolymers, polyolefins containing halogen(such as polyvinyl chloride and polyvinylidene chloride),fluoropolymers; ionomeric polymers, polymers containing ketone group(s),liquid crystal polymers, polyamide-imides, polymers containing olefinicdouble bond(s) (such as polybutadiene, polydicyclopentadiene),polyolefin copolymers, polyphenylene oxides, poly(vinyl alcohols),polyurethanes, thermoplastic elastomers, and the like.

Generally, the polymeric groups described in Volume 18 of theEncyclopedia of Chemical Technology, KIRK-OTHMER, (1982), page 328 topage 887, and Modern Plastics Encyclopedia '98, pages B-3 to B-210, and“Polymers: Structure and Properties,” by C. A. Daniels, TechnomicPublishing Co., Lancaster, Pa. (1989), all incorporated in theirentirety herein by reference, can be used as the polymeric groups of thepresent invention.

The polymeric groups of the present invention can be prepared in anumber of ways and such ways are known to those skilled in the art. Theabove referenced KIRK-OTHMER section, Modern Plastics Encyclopedia, andC. A. Daniels' reference provide methods in which these polymeric groupscan be prepared.

The polymeric group is preferably a polyolefin group, a polyurethanegroup, a polystyrenic group, a polyacrylate group, a polyamide group, apolyester group, or mixtures thereof. Examples of R groups can be thesame as previously described above. p can be 1–25, 26–50, 51–75, 76–100,101–500, and is preferably 1 to 100, and more preferably 5 to 50.

The pigment to be modified can be, but is not limited to, pigmentstraditionally used in ink compositions (including inkjet inkcompositions), coating compositions (including paint formulations),liquid and solid toners, films, plastics, rubbers, and the like.

Examples include, but are not limited to, black pigments (e.g., carbonproducts like carbon black) and other colored pigments (e.g., polymericand organic pigments).

The desired colored pigment may be chosen from a wide range ofconventional colored pigments. The colored pigment can be blue, black,white, brown, cyan, green, violet, magenta, red, yellow, as well asmixtures thereof. Suitable classes of colored pigments include, forexample, anthraquinones, phthalocyanine blues, phthalocyanine greens,diazos, monoazos, pyranthrones, perylenes, heterocyclic yellows,quinacridones, and (thio)indigoids. Representative examples ofphthalocyanine blues include copper phthalocyanine blue and derivativesthereof (Pigment Blue 15). Representative examples of quinacridonesinclude Pigment Orange 48, Pigment Orange 49, Pigment Red 122, PigmentRed 192, Pigment Red 202, Pigment Red 206, Pigment Red 207, Pigment Red209, Pigment Violet 19 and Pigment Violet 42. Representative examples ofanthraquinones include Pigment Red 43, Pigment Red 194 (Perinone Red),Pigment Red 216 (Brominated Pyanthrone Red) and Pigment Red226(Pyranthrone Red). Representative examples of perylenes include PigmentRed 123 (Vermillion), Pigment Red 149 (Scarlet), Pigment Red 179(Maroon), Pigment Red 190 (Red), Pigment Violet, Pigment Red 189 (YellowShade Red) and Pigment Red 224. Representative examples of thioindigoidsinclude Pigment Red 86, Pigment Red 87, Pigment Red 88, Pigment Red 181,Pigment Red 198, Pigment Violet 36, and Pigment Violet 38.Representative examples of heterocyclic yellows include Pigment Yellow1, Pigment Yellow 3, Pigment Yellow 12, Pigment Yellow 13, PigmentYellow 14, Pigment Yellow 17, Pigment Yellow 65, Pigment Yellow 73,Pigment Yellow 74, Pigment Yellow, Pigment Yellow 117, Pigment Yellow128 and Pigment Yellow 138. Such pigments are commercially available ineither powder or press cake form from a number of sources including,BASF Corporation, Engelhard Corporation and Sun Chemical Corporation.Examples of other suitable colored pigments are described in the ColourIndex, 3rd edition (The Society of Dyers and Colourists, 1982).Representative examples of black pigments include various carbon blacks(Pigment Black 7) such as channel blacks, furnace blacks and lampblacks, and include, for example, carbon blacks sold under the Regal®,Black Pearls®, Elftex®, Monarch®, Mogul®, and Vulcan® trademarksavailable from Cabot Corporation (such as Black Pearls® 2000, BlackPearls® 1400, Black Pearls® 1300, Black Pearls® 1100, Black Pearls®1000, Black Pearls® 900, Black Pearls® 880, Black Pearls® 800, BlackPearls® 700, Black Pearls® L, Elftex® 8, Monarch® 1400, Monarch® 1300,Monarch® 1100, Monarch® 1000, Monarch® 900, Monarch® 880, Monarch® 800,Monarch® 700, Mogul® L, Regal® 330, Regal® 400, Vulcan® P). Othersuitable carbon blacks include, but are not limited to, Printex 40,Printex 80, Printex 300, Printex L, Printex U, Printex V, Special Black4, Special Black 5, FW200, (the foregoing available from DegussaCorporation), Raven 780, Raven 890, Raven 1020, Raven 1040, Raven 1255,Raven 1500, Raven 5000, Raven 5250 (the foregoing available fromColumbian Chemical Corporation) and MA100 and MA440 available fromMitsubishi Chemical Corporation. The colored pigment will typically havea wide range of BET surface areas, as measured by nitrogen adsorption.Preferably, the colored pigment has a surface area equal or greater than85 m²/g, and more preferably equal or greater than and 100 m²/g, therebycorresponding to a smaller primary/aggregate particle size. Such surfaceareas have been found to provide for a more uniform distribution andefficient level of treating agent on the surface of the pigment and ahigher percent yield of the surface-modified colored pigment after postprocessing techniques. If the preferred higher surface area of thecolored pigment (thereby corresponding to a smaller particle size) isnot readily available, it is well recognized by those skilled in the artthat the colored pigment may be subject to conventional size comminutionor reduction techniques, such as ball or ejet milling, to reduce thepigment to the desired particle size.

Carbon product as used herein, is preferably capable of reacting with adiazonium salt to form the above-mentioned modified carbon product. Thecarbon may be of the crystalline or amorphous type. Examples include,but are not limited to, graphite, carbon black, vitreous carbon, carbonfibers, activated charcoal, and activated carbon. Finely divided formsof the above are preferred; also, it is possible to utilize mixtures ofdifferent carbons.

Also, any conventional amounts of the pigment used in the desiredapplication can be present in compositions of the present invention.Preferably, with respect to an ink composition, for instance, thepigment can be present in an amount of from 1 wt % to about 25 wt % orhigher, and more preferably from about 3 wt % to about 10 wt %, based onthe weight of the ink composition.

For purposes of the present invention, one or more types of chemicalgroups can be attached to the same and/or different pigments.

The modified pigment products may be prepared by reacting the pigment asdefined above with a diazoniumn salt in a liquid reaction medium toattach at least one group to the surface of the pigment. Preferredreaction media include water, any medium containing water, and anymedium containing alcohol. Water is the most preferred medium.

To prepare the above modified pigment products, the diazonium salt needonly be sufficiently stable to allow reaction with the pigment. Thus,that reaction can be carried out with some diazonium salts otherwiseconsidered to be unstable and subject to decomposition. Somedecomposition processes may compete with the reaction between thepigment and the diazonium salt and may reduce the total number of groupsattached to the pigment. Further, the reaction may be carried out atelevated temperatures where many diazonium salts may be susceptible todecomposition. Elevated temperatures may also advantageously increasethe solubility of the diazonium salt in the reaction medium and improveits handling during the process. The pigment can be reacted with adiazonium salt when present as a dilute, easily stirred, aqueous slurry,or as a more concentrated highly mixed slurry in water.

A preferred method of preparing the modified pigment products involvesreducing the pigments to be modified to a size desirable for theparticular end use application. If, of course, the pigment is already ofan appropriate size, then no reduction in size is necessary. Generally,the size of the pigment can be the same size as the pigment sizes usedconventionally for the particular end use applications. For instance,the average particle size of the pigment can be about 10 microns orless, and preferably about 5 microns or less. Preferably, for instance,in inkjet ink applications, the average pigment particle size ispreferably less than about 1 micron and more preferably less than about0.5 micron (e.g., a preferred range is about 0.01 micron to less thanabout 1 micron), and is preferably less than about 10 microns forcoatings, toner, polymer, and rubber applications. If size reduction ofthe pigment to be modified is preferred, any method of reducing size canbe used such as those described in T. C. Patton, “Paint Flow and PigmentDispersion,” 2nd ed., Wiley, N.Y. (1979), incorporated herein byreference.

To attach a group having one or more of the formulas described above, asurfactant or polymer may be introduced to or contacted with thepigments. The surfactant or polymer comprises an organic group orpolymeric group having at least one primary amine. A sufficient amountof time is provided to preferably adsorb the surfactant or polymer ontothe pigment. Preferably, after adsorption occurs, a diazonium reactioncan be conducted as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,571,311 and 5,630,868,as well as 5,554,739 and PCT Publication WO-96/18688, all incorporatedherein in their entirety by reference. In more detail, the preferredmeans of attaching the surfactant or polymer onto the pigments is bygrinding, or reducing in size by other suitable mechanical or chemicalmeans, the pigment in the presence of a solvent (e.g., aqueous ornon-aqueous), preferably water. The surfactant or polymer can also bepresent during this size reduction step. Alternatively, the surfactantor polymer may be added after the size reduction step. An aqueoussolution of a nitrite and an acid are then added separately or togetherto generate the diazonium reaction and form the diazonium salt whichreacts with the pigment. This generation of the diazonium salt ispreferably accomplished in situ with the pigment.

The surfactant or polymer is preferably any group capable of attachingonto a pigment through a diazonium reaction. In more detail, thesurfactant or polymer will typically have a primary amine group attachedto polymeric groups or organic groups, like aromatic or alkyl groups(e.g., the X substituent) set forth in the formulas above. In thediazonium reaction, the primary amine group will react to form nitrogengas or other by-products which will then permit the group, for instancethe aromatic group or alkyl group, to attach onto the pigment.

Typically known surfactants or polymers may be modified to comprise aprimary amine using known techniques to those skilled in the art, suchas esterification involving an aromatic or alkyl group and thesurfactant or polymer and reduction of nitro groups on the aromatic oralkyl group to the corresponding primary amine groups. Nitration of thesurfactant or polymer followed by reduction, or amination of thesurfactant or polymer are some other techniques that may be used.Surfactants are commercially available under various well-knowntrademarks, such as the PLURONIC® series (BASF Corporation, Parsippany,N.J.), the TETRONIC® series (BASF Corporation, Parsippany, N.J.), theARQUAD® series (Akzo Chemical Inc., Chicago, Ill.), the TRITON® series(Union Carbide Corp., Danbury, Conn.), the SURFONIC® series (TexacoChemical Company, Houston, Tex.), the ETHOQUAD® series (Akzo ChemicalInc., Chicago, Ill.), the ARMEEN® series (Akzo Chemical Inc., Chicago,Ill.), the ICONOL® series (BASF Corporation, Parsippany, N.J.), theSURFYNOL® series (Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. Allentown, Pa.), andthe ETHOMEEN® series (Akzo Chemical Inc., Chicago, Ill.), to name a few.

Other suitable surfactants for use in the present invention aredisclosed in, for example, Kirk-Othmer, Encyclopedia of ChemicalTechnology, 3rd edition, Vol. 22 pages 332–386 and availablemanufacturing literature, including for example McCutcheon's Emulsifiers& Detergents, North American and International Edition (McCutcheonDivision, The MC Publishing Co., 1991); Ash, The Condensed Encyclopediaof Surfactants (Chemical Publishing Co., Inc. 1989); and, Ash, WhatEvery Chemical Technologist Wants to Know About . . . Emulsifiers andWetting Agents, Volume I (Chemical Publishing Co., Inc. 1988), all ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

For purposes of the invention, one or more surfactants, as describedabove, may be present. In addition, one or more surfactants can becombined with one or more polymeric groups as described above.

The level of treatment of the various groups attached on the pigment canbe any amount and preferably is from about 0.10 to about 50micromoles/m², and more preferably is from about 0.30 to about 10micromoles/m².

The modified pigment particles can then be subsequently subjected tocleaning procedures (e.g., washing or precipitation) which will removesubstantially any excess reactants and unattached dispersants. Theremaining slurry containing the modified pigment products can then beadded to either aqueous or non-aqueous media and preferably with littleor mild agitation to form stable (electrostatic, steric, and/orelectrosteric) dispersions for a variety of end uses as described above.

The pigment products may be purified by washing, such as by filtration,centrifugation, or a combination of the two methods, to remove unreactedraw materials, by product salts and other reaction impurities. Theproducts may also be isolated, for example, by evaporation or it may berecovered by filtration and drying using known techniques to thoseskilled in the art. Dispersions of the pigments of the present inventionmay be further purified or classified to remove impurities and otherundesirable free species which can co-exist in the dispersion as aresult of the manufacturing process. In a preferred embodiment, thecationic pigment dispersions are subject to a classification step, suchas centrifugation, to substantially remove particles having a size aboveabout 1.0 micron, preferably above about 0.5 micron. In addition, thedispersion is preferably purified to remove any undesired free species,such as unreacted treating agent. Known techniques ofultrafiltration/diafiltration using a membrane or ion exchange may beused to purify the dispersion and remove a substantial amount of freeionic and unwanted species. Also preferred is an optional exchange ofcounterions whereby the counterions that form a part of thesurface-modified pigment are exchanged or substituted with alternativecounterions utilizing known ion exchange techniques such asultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, ion exchange columns and the like.Particular examples of counterions that can be exchanged include, butare not limited to, Na⁺, K⁺, Li⁺, NH₄ ⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl⁻, NO₃ ⁻, NO₂ ⁻,acetate, carboxylate, and Br⁻. Such additional classification andpurification methods are more fully described in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/240,291, filed Jan. 29, 1999, the disclosure of which isfully incorporated herein by reference.

Uses of the Modified Pigment Products

The modified pigment products of this invention may be used in the sameapplications as conventional pigments, like carbon blacks. The groupsattached to the pigment, however, can be used to modify and improve theproperties of a given pigment for a particular use.

Modified pigment products according to the invention can be used in anumber of end use applications. These uses include, for example, plasticcompositions, aqueous and non-aqueous inks, aqueous and non-aqueouscoatings, rubber compositions, toner compositions, paper products, andtextile and fiber compositions. The following paragraphs describe theseuses generally and examples of each are shown below.

The modified pigment products of this invention can be used as colorantsin a plastic material. The modified pigment products of the inventioncan also be used to impart conductivity to a plastic material. Themodified pigment products of the invention may give an increased rate ofdispersion or improved quality of dispersion over the correspondinguntreated pigment. These improvements offer an economic advantage inplastic manufacture and in value of the finished product, respectively.Using the modified pigment products of the invention may improve impactstrength of the plastic. Thus, the invention relates to an improvedplastic composition comprising a plastic and the modified pigmentproduct.

As with conventional pigments, the modified pigment products can be usedwith a variety of plastics, including but not limited to plastics madefrom thermoplastic resins, thermosetting resins, or engineeredmaterials, for example, composites. Typical kinds of thermoplasticresins include: (1) acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resins; (2)acetals; (3) acrylics; (4) cellulosics; (5) chlorinated polyethers; (6)fluorocarbons, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (TFE),polychlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE), and fluorinated ethylene propylene(FEP); (7) nylons (polyamides); (8) polycarbonates; (9) polyethylenes(including copolymers); (10) polypropylenes (including copolymers); (11)polystyrenes; (12) vinyls (polyvinyl chloride); (13) thermoplasticpolyesters, such as polyethylene terephthalate or polybutyleneterephthalate; (14) polyphenylene ether alloys; and blends and alloys ofthe above with rubber modifiers. Typical thermosetting resins include:(1) alkyds; (2) allylics; (3) the aminos (melamine and urea); (4)epoxies; (5) phenolics; (6) polyesters; (7) silicones; and (8)urethanes.

Generally, the modified pigment product is added like any other pigmentto the plastic used to form a plastic premix. This can be done, forexample, in a dry mix or a melt stage. The modified pigment product mayalso be incorporated on or in a plastic by adding it to a solvent, wherethe plastic is soluble or partially-soluble, followed by removal of thesolvent (e.g., by evaporation). The modified pigment products of theinvention may be used in combination with other conventional additivesin plastic compositions. According to the invention, the term plasticcomposition includes, but is not limited to, any plastic material,article, goods, surface, fabric, sheet, film, and the like. For example,plastic materials include automotive parts, siding for homes, liners forswimming pools, roofing materials, packaging materials, syntheticfibers, food, and storage containers, light absorbing applications(e.g., bar codes), and any variety of other household or industrialitems.

The modified pigment products of this invention are also useful inaqueous and non-aqueous ink formulations. Thus, the invention providesan ink composition comprising an ink vehicle and a modified pigmentproduct. Other known ink additives may be incorporated into the inkformulation. Typical inks include, but are not limited to: lithographic,letterpress, flexographic, gravure, screening, phase change ink jetinks, and ink jet applications.

In general, an ink consists of four basic components: (1) a colorant,(2) a vehicle or varnish which functions as a carrier during printing,(3) additives to improve printability, drying, and the like, and (4)solvents to adjust viscosity, drying and the compatibility of the otherink components. For a general discussion of the properties, preparationand uses of inks, see The Printing Manual, 5th Ed., Leach et al, Eds.(Chapman and Hall, 1993) incorporated herein by reference. Various inkcompositions are also disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos.2,833,736; 3,607,813; 4,104,833; 4,770,706; and 5,026,755, incorporatedin their entirety herein by reference.

The modified pigment products of the invention, either as predispersionor as a solid, can be incorporated into an ink formulation usingstandard techniques. Use of a water dispersible or solvent-dispersiblemodified pigment product of the invention can provide a significantadvantage and cost savings by reducing or eliminating the milling stepsgenerally used with other conventional pigments.

Flexographic inks represent a group of ink compositions. Flexographicinks generally include a colorant, a binder, and a solvent. The modifiedpigment products of the invention are useful as flexographic inkcolorants.

The modified pigment products of the invention can be used in news inks.For example, a news ink composition may comprise an ink vehicle (e.g.,water), the modified pigment products of the invention, a resin, andoptional conventional additives such as antifoam additives or asurfactant.

The modified pigment products of the invention may also be used in phasechange (hot melt) inks. Phase change inks generally include at least onecolorant and at least one phase change or wax carrier (e.g., a fattyamide-containing material like a mixture of a tetra amide compound and amono-amide compound, or an alkanolamides and polyethylene glycolmixture). The phase change ink is in a solid phase at ambienttemperature and in a liquid phase at an elevated operating temperatureof the printer. When the ink is heated it melts to form a low viscosityfluid that can be ejected as droplets. Upon jetting, heated dropletsimpact on a substrate, and cool to ambient temperature forming films ofuniform thickness. Subsequent impaction of the droplets on the substratemay also occur, depending upon the type of printer used. Use of amodified pigment product can provide a significant advantage indispersion stability and carrier compatibility over conventionalpigments and in light-fastness over dyes.

The modified pigments of the present invention can also be used inlithographic or flexographic printing. For example, the ink or fountainsolution used in the printing process can contain the modified pigmentsof the present invention.

The modified pigments of the present invention can also be used in themanufacture of lithographic printing plates, such as infrared ornear-infrared laser-imageable printing plates. Typically, imaging occurswhen the plate is exposed to radiation having wavelengths of between 800and 1100 nm. Generally, an infrared or near-infrared laser-imageablelithographic printing plate includes at least the following layers: agrained-metal or polyester plate or sheet-like substrate and aradiation-absorptive layer coated thereon. Protective layers for thesubstrate or the surface of the coated plate may also be used in thepresent invention. When coated onto the substrate, the protective layercan also serve as an adhesion-promoting primer. Other layers may beused, for example, to improve adhesion between layers and durability ofthe printing plate. The radiation-absorptive layer contains the modifiedpigment of the present invention along with other conventionalingredients, such as resins and binders. In the imaging process, alithographic printing plate is selectively exposed to a laser output orother source capable of removing or chemically modifying theradiation-absorbent layer or layers adjacent thereto. The laser outputwill define a pattern on the printing plate and remove or modify onlythose portions of the radiation-absorptive layer which define thepattern. Afterwards, the printing plate can be further developed bysubjecting it to a solvent capable of removing the imaged layer(s), ifany remains, which defines the same pattern. The details of the variousconventional components and techniques for such printing plates aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,493,971; EP 0 803 771 A1; EP 0 770 494 A2;EP 0 770495 A1; as well as PCT Publication WO-98/31550 and the patentsand publications referenced therein, all of which are incorporated intheir entirety by reference herein.

The modified pigment products of the invention may also be used incoating compositions such as paints or finishes, or the like. Thus, anembodiment of the invention is a coating composition comprising anaqueous or non-aqueous vehicle, resin or binder, and a modified pigmentproduct. Other known coating additives may be incorporated in thecoating compositions. See, for examples, McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia ofScience & Technology, 5th Ed. (McGraw-Hill, 1982), incorporated hereinby reference. See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,051,464; 5,319,044; 5,204,404;5,051,464; 4,692,481; 5,356,973; 5,314,945; 5,266,406; and 5,266,361,incorporated in their entirety by reference herein.

The modified pigment products of the invention, either as apredispersion or as a solid, can be incorporated into a coatingcomposition using standard techniques. Use of a water or solventdispersible modified pigment product provides a significant advantageand cost savings by reducing or eliminating the milling steps generallyused with other conventional pigments.

The modified pigment products of the invention may also be used in papercompositions. Accordingly, the invention relates to a paper productcomprising paper pulp and at least one modified pigment product.

The modified pigment products of the invention, either as a solid or apredispersion, can be incorporated into paper pulp using standardpapermaking techniques as with conventional pigments. Use of a water orsolvent dispersible modified pigment product discussed above may providea significant advantage and cost savings by reducing or eliminating thesteps generally used to disperse other conventional pigments.

The paper products of the invention may incorporate other known paperadditives such as sizing agents, retention aids, fixatives, fillers,defoamers, deflocculating agents, and the like. Advantageously, thewater or solvent dispersible modified pigment products discussed aboveare retained more efficiently at low loading levels when compared to theuntreated pigments when retention aids and acidic or alkaline sizingagents are used.

The modified pigment products of the invention may also be used, as withconventional pigments, as pigments, fillers, and reinforcing agents inthe compounding and preparation of rubber compositions. Accordingly, theinvention relates to a rubber or elastomeric composition containing atleast one rubber or elastomer and at least one modified pigment.

Carbon blacks, for example, are useful in the preparation of rubbervulcanizates such as those in tires. It is generally desirable in theproduction of tires to utilize carbon blacks which produce tires withsatisfactory abrasion resistance and hysteresis performance. Thetreadwear properties of a tire are related to abrasion resistance. Thegreater the abrasion resistance, the greater the number of miles thetire will last without wearing out. The hysteresis of a rubber compoundmeans the difference between the energy applied to deform a rubbercompound, and the energy released as the rubber compound recovers to itsinitial undeformed states. Tires with lower hysteresis values reducerolling resistance and therefore are able to reduce the fuel consumptionof the vehicle utilizing the tire. Thus, it is particularly desirable tohave carbon black products capable of imparting greater abrasionresistance and lower hysteresis in tires.

The modified pigment products, and preferably the modified carbon blackproducts of this invention are useful in both natural and syntheticrubber compositions or mixtures of natural and synthetic rubbers. Carbonblack products comprising an aromatic sulfides group are preferred forthis use. The carbon black products of the invention can be used inrubber compositions which are sulfur-cured or peroxide-cured.

The modified pigment products may be mixed with natural or syntheticrubbers by normal means, for examples by milling. Generally, amounts ofthe modified pigment product ranging from about 10 to about 250 parts byweight can be used for each 100 parts by weight of rubber in order toimpart a significant degree of reinforcement. It is, however, preferredto use amounts varying from about 20 to about 100 parts by weight ofcarbon black per 100 parts by weight of rubber and especially preferredis the utilization of from about 40 to about 80 parts of carbon blackper 100 parts of rubber.

Rubbers suitable for use with the present invention are natural rubberand its derivatives such as chlorinated rubber. The modified pigmentproducts of the invention may also be used with synthetic rubbers suchas: copolymers of from about 10 to about 70 percent by weight of styreneand from about 90 to about 30 percent by weight of butadiene such ascopolymer of 19 parts styrene and 81 parts butadiene, a copolymer of 30parts styrene and 70 parts butadiene, a copolymer of 43 parts styreneand 57 parts butadiene and a copolymer of 50 parts styrene and 50 partsbutadiene; polymers and copolymers of conjugated dienes such aspolybutadiene, polyisoprene, polychloroprene, and the like, andcopolymers of such conjugated dienes with an ethylenic group-containingmonomer copolymerizable therewith such as styrene, methyl styrene,chlorostyrene, acrylonitrile, 2-vinyl-pyridine, 5-methyl2-vinylpyridine, 5-ethyl-2-vinylpyridine, 2-methyl-5-vinylpyridine,alkyl-substituted acrylates, vinyl ketone, methyl isopropenyl ketone,methyl vinyl either, alphamethylene carboxylic acids and the esters andamides thereof such as acrylic acid and dialkylacrylic acid amide; alsosuitable for use herein are copolymers of ethylene and other high alphaolefins such as propylene, butene-1 and pentene-1.

The rubber composition of the present invention can therefore contain atleast one elastomer, curing agents, reinforcing filler, a couplingagent, and, optionally, various processing aids, oil extenders, andantidegradents. In addition to the examples mentioned above, theelastomer can be, but is not limited to, polymers (e.g., homopolymers,copolymers, and terpolymers) manufactured from 1,3 butadiene, styrene,isoprene, isobutylene, 2,3-dimethyl-1,3 butadiene, acrylonitrile,ethylene, propylene, and the like. It is preferred that these elastomershave a glass transition point (Tg), as measured by DSC, between −120° C.and 0° C. Examples of such elastomers include poly(butadiene),poly(styrene-co-butadiene), and poly(isoprene).

Advantageously, the modified pigment products, and especially themodified carbon black products of the present invention can impartimproved abrasion resistance and/or reduced hysteresis to rubber orelastomeric compositions containing them.

The modified pigment products of this invention may also be used tocolor fibers or textiles. Preferred modified pigment products for thisuse are the dispersible modified pigment products. Accordingly, theinvention relates to fiber and textile compositions comprising a fiberor textile and a modified pigment product. Fibers suitable for usecomprise natural and synthetic fibers such as cotton, wool, silk, linen,polyester and nylon. Textiles suitable for use comprise natural andsynthetic fibers such as cotton, wool, silk, linen, polyester and nylon.Preferably natural fibers and textiles comprising cotton, wool, silk,and linen are used.

The modified pigment products of the present invention may be colored bymeans known in the art to color fibers and textiles with, for example,direct and acid dyes. Also, the modified pigments can be incorporatedinto fibers by spinning techniques, such as wet spinning, dry spinning,and melt spun techniques. For a general discussion of coloring withdyes, see Kirk-Othiner Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Vol 8 pp280–350 “Dyes, Application and Evaluation” (John Wiles and Sons, 1979),incorporated herein by reference. Use of a water or solvent dispersiblemodified pigment product discussed above provides a method for coloringthese materials with a lightfast colorant.

The present invention also relates to toner compositions comprisingtoner resin particles and the modified pigment particles of the presentinvention. Conventional additives as described in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,278,018; 5,510,221; 5,275,900; 5,571,654; and 5,484,575; and EPO270-066A1 can be used and these patents are incorporated herein byreference.

The present invention also relates to an inkjet ink compositioncomprising an aqueous or non-aqueous vehicle and a modified pigmentproduct. In contrast to conventional pigments, the modified pigmentproducts for use in the inkjet ink of the present invention are notdifficult to disperse in an aqueous or non-aqueous vehicle. The modifiedpigment products do not necessarily require a conventional millingprocess, nor are additional dispersants necessarily needed to attain ausable ink. Preferably, the modified pigment products only require lowshear stirring or mixing to readily disperse the pigment in water orother solvent.

Formation of an inkjet ink containing a vehicle and stably dispersedmodified pigment product as pigment can be preformed with a minimum ofcomponents and processing steps when the above modified pigment productsare utilized. Such an ink may be used in any inkjet printer known in theart. Preferably, in inkjet inks of the present invention, the modifiedpigment products are present in an amount of less than or equal to20%−25% by weight of the inkjet ink. It is also within the bounds of thepresent invention to use an inkjet ink formulation containing a mixtureof unmodified pigment with the modified pigment products of the presentinvention. Common additives such as those discussed below may be addedto the dispersion to further improve the properties of the inkjet ink.

In particular, a humectant may be added to reduce the rate ofevaporation of water in the ink to minimize clogging. If the ink beginsto dry out, the humectant concentration increases and evaporationdecreases further. Humectants may also affect other properties of theink and prints made therefrom, such as viscosity, pH, surface tension,optical density, and print quality. Preferred humectants includeethylene glycol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycols, glycerine,dipropylene glycols, polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols,amides, ethers, carboxylic acids, esters, alcohols, organosulfides,organosulfoxides, sulfones, alcohol derivatives, carbitol, butylcarbitol, cellosolve, ether derivatives, amino alcohols, and ketones.

Biocides such as benzoate or sorbate salts are important in preventingbacterial growth. Bacteria are often larger than ink nozzles and cancause clogging and other problems. Binders attach to the substrate tohold the colorant on the paper. Examples include polyester,polyester-melanine, styrene-acrylic acid copolymers, styrene-acrylicacid-alkyl acrylate copolymers, styrene-maleic acid copolymers,styrene-maleic acid-alkyl acrylate copolymers, styrene-methacrylic acidcopolymers, styrene-methacrylic acid-alkyl acrylate copolymers,styrene-maleic half ester copolymers, vinyl naphthalene-acrylic acidcopolymers, vinyl naphthalene-maleic acid copolymers, and salts thereof.Drying accelerating agents promote evaporation of the ink once the inkis placed in the paper. These include sodium lauryl sulfate,N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide, cyclohexylpyrrolidinone, and butyl carbitol.Penetrants such as alcohols, sodium lauryl sulfate, esters, and ketonesallow the ink to penetrate the surface of the paper. Alcohols may alsobe used to increase the rate of drying of the liquid ink, andsurfactants like detergents and soap reduce the surface tension to allowthe ink to spread on the substrate.

Additionally, the modified pigment products-based inkjet inks mayincorporate some dye to modify color balance and adjust optical density.Such dyes include food dyes, FD & C dyes, derivatives of phathalocyaninetetrasulfonic acids, including copper phthalocyanine derivates, tetrasodium salts, tetra ammonium salts, tetra potassium salts, tetra lithiumsalts, and the like.

Polymers or oligomers may be added to inkjet inks based on the modifiedpigment products. The images created from such an ink may bewater-insoluble upon polymerization or cross-linking of the addedpolymers or oligomers.

Additionally, in preparing inkjet inks utilizing the modified pigmentproducts of the present invention, sequential filtration of the inksthrough filters of descending size or centrifugation or both may be usedto obtain a more desirable final product. For instance, filtering firstwith a 3.0 micron filter and then filtering with a 1.0 micron filter,and so on, as desired. In addition, the size of the modified pigmentproducts in the inkjet inks is preferably no larger than about 2microns. More preferably, the size of the modified pigment product isone micron or less.

Advantageously, the inkjet inks of the invention have excellentstability over time and a wide range of temperatures, have desirableviscosities and surface tensions, and when printer, have good opticaldensity, print clarity, rub resistance, and waterfastness can beobtained when the inkjet ink contains certain stryenated acrylics thatimpart this property. For instance, one such stryenated acrylic has amolecular weight of about 4200, a polydispersibility of about 2, andacid number of about 215, a softening point of about 128° C., and a Tgof about 67° C. A commercially available example is JONCRYL 58 acrylic(JONCRYL is a registered trademark of Johnson Polymer, Racine Wis.),which is a solution of Joncryl 680.

The present invention will be further clarified by the followingexamples, which are intended to be purely exemplary of the presentinvention.

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of Surfactant-Adsorbed Carbon Black Dispersions

Various amounts (Table 1) of carbon black, having a nitrogen surfacearea of 200 and a DBPA of 122 g/100 ml, a nonionic surfactant (IL-2798from ICI Surfactants) described as an ester product of an amino benzoicacid and a polyethylene glycol methyl ether; MW of ˜1,000 g/mole, anddistilled water were mixed together and placed in stainless steel midgetmills (2 1/16″ height by 2 3/32″ internal diameter). Two hundred gramsof 3/16″ stainless steel shot were added and the mill was capped and putin a Red Devil #30-5100 paint shaker. The samples were shaken for 1 h.before being removed and filtered through a paint filter to separate theslurries from the steel shot. An aliquot of the dispersions was analyzedfor the amount of particles below 1 um, after the initial dispersion and24 h. later, using a Zeiss light microscope containing a calibratedocular lens. It was found that the amount of particles below 1 um wasconstant, regardless of the time period after dispersing. Results areset forth in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Amount of Carbon Black Surfactant Water Particles Sample # (g)(g) (g) Below 1 um (%) 1A 6 0 34 <5 1B 2 4 34 80 1C 4 8 28 90 1D 6 12 2290 1E 8 16 16 98This example shows that stable, conventional dispersions can be preparedwith carbon black, surfactant, and water using mechanical energy, andthat without a surfactant the carbon black does not disperse or form astable dispersion.

EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of Chemically-bonded Surfactants to Carbon Blackand Resulting Dispersions

Samples 1B–E were added to distilled water in a Pyrex beaker and heatedto 70° C. Various amounts of sodium nitrite (Table 2) were added to thehot slurry with rapid mixing using a magnetic stir bar. Within oneminute the slurries began to froth generating nitrogen gas. The reactionwas allowed to proceed for 1 h. Table 2 lists the amounts of nitric acidand sodium nitrite used, as well as the resulting particle size. Theamount of particles below one micron was constant after the initialreaction and 24 h. later. The original samples used 1B–1E are listed as2B–E after the diazonium reaction occurred.

TABLE 2 Amount of Carbon Distilled Nitric Sodium Particles Black WaterAcid Nitrite Below 1 um Sample # (g) (g) (g) (g) (%) 2B 2 38 0.140 0.15380 2C 4 36 0.280 0.307 85 2D 6 34 0.420 0.450 85 2E 8 32 0.560 0.613 90

EXAMPLE 3 Stability of Dispersions of Carbon Black withChemically-bonded and Absorbed Surfactants in Aqueous Salt Media

Samples 1A-E and 2B–E were diluted, ˜0.03% (w/w final dispersion indistilled water and added to aqueous sodium chloride solutions ofvarious concentrations in test tubes, before being thoroughly shaken.The stability of the samples was determined by examining an aliquot ofthe dispersion using the microscope described in Example 1 after 24 h.of mixing, as well as visually observing the black dispersion in thetest tube in the same time period. If more than 90% of the particleswere above 1 um as determined using the light microscope, and the carbonblack particles settled in the test tube, the sample was consideredunstable. It was found that both phenomena occurred together. Stabilityof the samples are reported as a function of sodium chloride saltconcentration in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Stability* as a function of Sodium Chloride Concentration(below) Sample # 0 0.001 M 0.01 M 0.1 M 1 M 2 M 1A Y Y Y N N N 1B Y Y YN N N 1C Y Y Y N N N 1D Y Y Y N N N 1E Y Y Y N N N 2B N N N N N N 2C Y YY Y Y Y 2D Y Y Y Y Y Y 2E Y Y Y Y Y Y *Stability is being reported as Y= Yes, stable or N = Not stableThis example shows that carbon black lacking surfactant and withabsorbed surfactants are dependent on the media, and that above 0.01Mconcentration of sodium chloride, the dispersions become unstable. Last,the example demonstrates that when the surfactant is covalently attached(chemically bonded) to the surface of carbon black, the resultingdispersion is stable at all salt concentrations and that the surfactantis not in an equilibrium between the media and the carbon surface, as isthe case with adsorbed surfactants. Also, a sufficient amount ofsurfactant, conditions to obtain samples 2C–2E, is needed to providedispersion stability. The mechanism for stabilization with the nonionicsurfactants, absorbed or bonded, is steric and not ionic.

EXAMPLE 4 Stability of Dispersions of Carbon Black withChemically-bonded and Adsorbed Surfactants in Non-Aqueous Media

Samples 1A, 1E and 2E were dried and dispersed in different nonaqueoussolvents to determine the effect of the surfactant on the resultingdispersion stabilities. The solids were added to the liquid media in atest tube stoppered and thoroughly shaken by hand. The concentrationsand procedures were similar to those of Example 3. Results are reportedin Table 4.

TABLE 4 Stability in Solvents Sample Ethanol TPM¹ IPA² Toluene AcetoneMEK³ MC⁴ 1A N N N N N N N 1E N N N N Y Y Y 2E Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 1 =tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether 2 = isopropyl alcohol 3 =methylethylketone 4 = methylene chloride

This example shows that covalently attached or adsorbed surfactant blackdispersion is stable in a wide variety of media, and issterically-stabilized.

EXAMPLE 5 Inkjet Inks Containing Dispersions of Carbon Black withChemically-bonded and Adsorbed Surfactants

This example demonstrates that an inkjet ink can be made with carbonblack dispersions having adsorbed and bonded surfactants (Examples 1Eand 2E). The carbon black samples, 1E and 2E were measured for particlesize using a Leed's & Northrup (Honeywell) Microtrac UPA instrument andthen added (final 5% (w/w ink) and mixed to an aqueous solutioncomprised of final 10% (w/w) 2-pyrrolidinone, final 10% (w/w/ ink)ethylene glycol, final 4% (w/w ink) isopropyl alcohol and distilledwater. The inks were placed into an emptied and cleaned Canon BC-02cartridges and printed using a Canon BubbleJet® 4200 inkjet printer onXerox 4024 dual purpose paper and Plover Bond paper. The standard whichlacked surfactant, sample 1A, would not print. The optical densities ofthe prints were determined with a MacBeth 915 optical densiometer. Drytime was found by pouring 0.5 ml of distilled water on a ¼ inch wideprint, held at a 45° angle and observing the time at which no black runoff occurred. Results are shown in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Mean Largest Particle Particle Xerox Paper Plover Paper SizeSize* Dry Time Dry Time Sample (um) (um) O.D. (H) O.D. (H) 1E 0.17 0.691.03 3 1.14 3 2E 0.16 0.58 1.07 3 1.14 3 *largest particles as detectedby Microtrac UPA instrumentThis example shows that inkjet inks can be made with the dispersions ofcarbon black with adsorbed and bonded surfactants. The resulting printcan achieve a good optical density and print waterfastness properties.

EXAMPLE 6 Inkjet Inks Containing Dispersions of Carbon Black withChemically-bonded and Adsorbed Surfactants

Inkjet inks were made and tested in a similar manner as Example 5,except that 10% (final (w/w ink) diethylene glycol was used in place of2-pyrolidone. Also, a highlighter (Avery HI-LITER®, series #24-0XX) wasrubbed over the resulting print to determine highlighter smear. Thehighlighter was rubbed over the print two times and the amount of blackrunoff was noted. Dry time was determined as a function of time. One mlof distilled water was applied to a ¼″ line of print, and the time notedwhen no visible black runoff occurred. Results are reported in Table 6.

TABLE 6 Xerox Paper Plover Paper Sample O.D. Dry Time O.D. Dry Time 1E1.08 24 h 1.11 24 h 2E 0.97 5 min 1.03 5 minThis example shows that inkjet inks, besides those of Example 5, can bemade with the dispersions of carbon black with adsorbed and bondedsurfactants. The resulting print can achieve a fair optical density andprint waterfastness, and excellent highlighter smear resistance. The drytime was significantly faster for the prints made with the dispersion ofcarbon black with the bonded surfactant compared to those for theequivalent having only the adsorbed surfactant.

EXAMPLE 7 Preparation of A Polymer

The purpose of this example is to describe the preparation of an polymercontaining a primary amine that could be later chemically-bonded topigments. A 250 mL three-neck round-bottom flask was equipped with athermometer, a pressure-equalizing dropping funnel, a magnetic spin bar,and a refluxing condenser with a KOH drying tube. The flask was placedin an ice-bath on a magnetic stirrer. 4-Nitrobenzoyl chloride (9.3 g)and 50 mL of toluene were added to the flask first. Then the mixture oftripropylene glycol monomethyl ether (TPM, 10.31 g), triethyl amine intolune (˜100 mL), triethyl amine in toluene (˜100 mL) was added to theflask dropwise through the dropping funnel. After the addition, theice-bath was removed and a heating mantel was put on and the reactionwas refluxed at 90–100° C. for 4–5 hours. After the reaction mixture wascooled down to room temperature, it was passed through aBuchner funnel(with qualitative filter paper, Whatman No. 10) and the filtrate was putinto a separatory funnel. It was washed with 5% (w/w) potassiumcarbonate twice and 5% sodium chloride once and dried over sodiumsulfate of 0.5 hr. The drying agent was filtered out by gravityfiltration through a glass funnel with a piece of cotton. The filtratewas placed in a rotary evaporator to remove the toluene, leaving a solid(A 4-Nitrobenzoate tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether ester; NBT).Identification of the nitro ester was determined by NMR (using a Varian400 MgHz, model 400VXR nmr instrument with a chloroform solvent).

NBT (17.8 g) was dissolved in methanol (100 ml) in the hydrogenationflask containing platinum oxide (0.1 g). The flask was put into ahydrogenation apparatus (Parr Corp.) and the sample was reduced (asevidenced by a color change- yellow to red to white-yellow) forming a4-Aminobenzoate tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether ester (ABT).Identification of the amine ester was determined using the NMR procedureand conditions as previously described.

EXAMPLE 8 Preparation of A Chemically-Bonded Polymer to Carbon Black andResulting Dispersions

The purpose of this example was to prepare a carbon product having achemically-bonded polymer. A carbon black (12.3 g), described in Example1, was mixed into a hydrochloric acid (0.5 ml of 5M concentration) anddistilled water (61 g) solution. An ABT (2.0 g), described in Example 7,in acetone (44 g) solution was then mixed into the carbon black slurry.Next, a sodium nitrite (0.42 g) in distilled water (1.25 g) solution wasadded to the slurry and allowed to stir for two hours, with nitrogen gasevolution taking place. The slurry was then heated to 35–40° C. forthree hours, before being cooled to room temperature and filtered usinga Buchner funnel and filter paper described in Example 7. The slurry waswashed with de-ionized water and dried, and Soxhlet extracted for ˜16 husing methanol, and redried. The polymer-carbon black solids (6 g) wereadded to 34 g of TPM and dispersed using a Midget mill, the procedurewas described in Example 1.

EXAMPLE 9 Preparation of Carbon Black Dispersions

The purpose of this example was to prepare dispersions of carbon blackand of carbon black with non-chemically bonded ABT ester. Six grams of acarbon black described in Example 1 was added to TPM (34 g) and milledusing a Midget mill, the procedure was described in Example 1. Theproduct is designated Example 9A. In addition, the same carbon black(5.2 g) and ABT (0.8 g) and TPM (34 g) were also similarly milled. Theproduct is designated Example 9B.

EXAMPLE 10 Properties of Inks Containing Chemically-Bonded Polymer toCarbon Black Pigments

The purpose of this example was to contrast properties of inkscontaining different carbon black products. One ink contains a carbonproduct having a chemically-bonded polymer (Example 8), another hascarbon black (Example 9A), and the last ink contains a carbon black andpolymer mixture (Example 9B). The inks were made by mixing the solids(w/w) with TPM. A drop of the resulting inks were put between two glassslides and observed using a light microscope, with a calibrated ocularlens, at a magnification of 40×power. The ink with Example 8 wasdispersed (Brownian movement with particles less than 1 um in diameter),while the other inks flocculated (the carbon blacks networked togetherto form a structure with a size above five um). Results are shown inTable 7.

TABLE 7 Observations Sample No. 8 9A 9B Observation DispersedFlocculated and Settled FlocculatedAfter storing at 70° C. for a week, Example 8 was still well dispersedupon observation under the microscope while 9A and 9B settled.

The 7% products in TPM were drawn down on white paper (form 3NT-4 InkTest Regular Bond paper) and brown paper (form 3NT-5 Ink Test Kraftpaper), both from Leneta Co., using a 3 mil Bird applicator with aByk-Gardner automatic draw down device. The resulting ink films weremeasured for optical density using the optical densiometer described inExample 5. The results are reported in Table 8.

TABLE 8 Optical Density of Ink Draw Downs for Example 10 Inks OpticalDensity for TPM Optical Density for TPM Paper Ink Containing Example 8Ink Containing Example 9B Regular 1.51 1.64 Bond Kraft 1.53 1.73This example shows that the nonaqueous dispersion with carbon blackhaving chemically-bond polymer has a different dispersion profile andoptical densities compared to that having the base black or that withthe mixture of polymer with carbon black. The ink containing themodified carbon black from Example 8 was more penetrating into bothpapers, thus the lower optical density, compared to the other inks.

EXAMPLE 11 Preparation of A Polymer

The purpose of this example is to describe the preparation of a polymercontaining a primary amine that could be later chemically-bonded topigments. The procedures were similar to those used for Example 8,except that 17.5 g of poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether (MW 350 g/mol)was used in place of the T?M, and 8.6 g of 4-nitrobenzoyl chloride wasused instead of 9.3 g. Identification of the nitro- and amino-poly(ethylene glycol) esters were determined by NMR as also described inExample 8. The final product was aminophenyl poly(ethylene) glycol(APEG) molecule having a MW of 522 g/mole.

EXAMPLE 12 Preparation of A Chemicaly-Bonded Polymer to Carbon Black andResulting Dispersions

The purpose of this example was to prepare a carbon product having achemically-bonded polymer in addition to chemically-bonded ionic groups.4-Aminobenzoic acid (12.3 g) and APEG (14.1 g) were dissolved intodistilled water (1500 g) before carbon black (150 g), described inExample 1, was stirred into the solution. Next, hydrochloric acid (5.2ml of a 5 M solution) was added to the slurry, followed by sodiumnitrite (8.28 g). The slurry was mixed at about 22° C. for 1 h followedby mixing at 40° C. for an additional hour. Nitrogen gas evolved afterthe sodium nitrite was added to the slurry. The sample was then driedfor ˜16 hours at 70° C.

EXAMPLE 13 Preparation of A Carbon Black Product and ResultingDispersions

The purpose of this example was to prepare a carbon product having onlychemically-bonded ionic groups. The sample was prepared as that ofExample 12, except that no APEG was used.

EXAMPLE 14 Properties of Inks Containing Chemically-Bonded Polymer andIonic Groups, and Chemically-Bonded Ionic Groups to Carbon BlackPigments

The purpose of this example was to contrast properties of an ink with acarbon product having a chemically-bonded polymer and ionic groupsagainst one with just ionic groups. Examples 12 and 13 were mixed intodistilled water resulting in dispersions having 5% solids (w/w). Theresulting inks were drawn down on Xerox 4024 paper and the dry time(waterfastness) and optical densities of the films were measured, allmethods and instruments were previously described in Example 5. Theresults are shown in Table 8.

Ink with Example Optical Density Dry Time (min) 12 1.65  5 13 1.54 >5The results show that the film formed from ink containing carbon blackwith chemically-bonded polymer and ionic groups dried faster, possiblydue to its penetration into the paper compared to that formed fromdispersions having just an ionic group. This example also shows thatpolymer and ionic. groups can both be present on a pigment.

EXAMPLE 15 Infrared Absorptive Coating Composition

This example demonstrates that a modified carbon black prepared via themethod of Example 2 can be used in the formulation of an infraredabsorptive coating. The modified carbon black dispersion 2E should bedried prior to preparation of the coating. A useful infrared sensitivecoating can be prepared by mixing together, with minor expenditure ofenergy, the ingredients shown below in parts by weight. NitrocelluloseE950 is available from Wolff Walsrode and Cymel 301 is available fromDyno Cyanamide.

2-butanone 289.9 Dry carbon black 2E 5–10 Nitrocellulose E950 3.68 Cymel301 0.69 p-toluene sulfonic acid 0.15

The coating composition can be applied to a substrate via a knife coateror wire wound rod to give a wet coating thickness of 20 microns.Examples of substrates that can be used are polyester or grainedanodized aluminum.

To improve adhesion of the infrared adsorptive layer to the substrate,it may be advantageous to apply an additional layer to the substrateprior to applying the infrared adsorptive layer. This adhesion promotinglayer can be based, for example, on polymeric materials containinghydroxyls or carboxyls, such as modified cellulosics and polyvinylalcohols.

After drying to remove the volatile solvents and curing, the resultingcomposite can be imaged by selective ablation of the carbon blackcontaining layer using infrared radiation (e.g., a diode laser emittingat 830 or 1064 nm).

Other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practiceof the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specificationand examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope andspirit of the present invention being indicated by the following claims.

1. A modified pigment product comprising a pigment having attached atleast one aromatic or alkyl group X, wherein X is substituted with atleast one group comprising the formula:-[polymer]R, wherein “polymer” represents a polycarbonate group, apolyether group, a polyimide group, a polyurethane group, poly(vinylalcohol), or combinations thereof, optionally having at least one —′group, wherein X′ comprises at least one aromatic group or at least onealkcyl group, and each X and X′ can be the same or different and aredirectly attached to the pigment, R represents hydrogen, a bond, asubstituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, or a substituted orunsubstituted aromatic group, and the total amount of monomer groups of“polymer” is not greater than about 500 monomer repeating units, andwhen R represents a bond, R optionally bonds to said pigment.
 2. Themodified pigment product of claim 1, wherein at least one X ′ group isattached to said pigment.
 3. The modified pigment product of claim 1,wherein X is an aromatic group.
 4. The modified pigment product of claim1, wherein X is further substituted with at least one functional group.5. The modified pigment product of claim 4, wherein said functionalgroup is a carboxylic group or a sulfonate group.
 6. The modifiedpigment product of claim 1, further comprising a chemical group attachedto said pigment.
 7. The modified pigment product of claim 6, wherein thechemical group comprises a carboxylic acid group or salts thereof. 8.The modified pigment product of claim 6, wherein the chemical group is acarboxyphenyl group or salts thereof.
 9. An ink composition comprisinga) at least one liquid vehicle; and b) at least one modified pigmentproduct comprising a pigment having attached at least one aromatic oralkyl group X, wherein X is substituted with at least one groupcomprising the formula:-[polymer]R, wherein “polymer” represents a polycarbonate group, apolyether group, a polyimide group, a polyurethane group, poly(vinylalcohol), or combinations thereof, optionally having at least one —X′group, wherein X′ comprises at least one aromatic group or at least onealkyl group, and each X and X′ can be the same or different and aredirectly attached to the pigment, R represents hydrogen, a bond, asubstituted or unsubstituted alkcyl group, or a substituted orunsubstituted aromatic group, and the total amount of monomer groups of“polymer” is nor greater than about 500 monomer repeating units, andwhen R represents a bond, R optionally bonds to said pigment.
 10. Theink composition of claim 9, wherein said ink composition is an inkjetink composition.
 11. The ink composition of claim 9, wherein X is anaromatic group.
 12. The ink composition of claim 9, further comprising achemical group attached to said pigment.
 13. The ink composition ofclaim 12, wherein the chemical group comprises a carboxylic acid group,or salts thereof.
 14. The ink composition of claim 12, wherein thechemical group is a carboxyphenyl group, or salts thereof.
 15. An inkcomposition comprising a) at least one liquid vebicle; b) at least onemodified pigment product comprising a pigment having attached at leastone aromatic or alkyl group X, wherein X is substituted with at leastone group comprising the formula:-[polymer]R, wherein “polymer” represents a polycarbonate group, apolyether group, a polyimide group, a polyurethane group, poly(vinylalcohol), or combinations thereof, optionally having at least one —X′group, wherein X′ comprises at least one aromatic group or at least onealkyl group, and each X and X′ can be the same or different and aredirectly attached to the pigment, R represents hydrogen, a bond, asubstituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, or a substituted orunsubstituted aromatic group, and the total amount of monomer groups of“polymer” is not greater than about 500 monomer repeating units, andwhen R represents a bond, R optionally bonds to said pigment, and c) atleast one additional polymer selected from the group consisting of: apolyester, a polyester-melamine, a styrenated acrylate, astyrene-acrylic acid copolymer, a styrenie-acrylic acid-alkyl acrylatecopolymer, a styrene-maleic acid copolymer, a styrene-maleic acid-alkylacrylate copolymer, a styrene-methacrylic acid copolymer, astyrene-methacrylic acid-alkyl acrylate copolymer, a styrene-maleic halfester copolymer, a vinyl naphthalene-acrylic acid copolymer, a vinylnaphthalene-maleic acid copolymer, and salts thereof.
 16. The inkcomposition of claim 15, wherein the additional polymer is a styrenatedacrylate.
 17. The ink composition of claim 15, wherein the inkcomposition is an inkjet ink composition.
 18. The ink composition ofclaim 17, wherein the liquid vehicle is an aqueous vehicle.
 19. An inkcomposition comprising a) at least one liquid vehicle; and b) at leastone modified pigment product comprising a pigment having attached atleast one aromatic or alkyl group X, wherein X is substituted with atleast one group comprising the formula:-[polymer]R, wherein “polymer” represents repeating monomer groups ormultiple monomer groups or both having at least one —X′ group, whereineach X and X′ are the same and are attached to the pigment, R representshydrogen, a bond, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, or asubstituted or unsubstituted aromatic group, and the total amount ofmonomer groups of “polymer” is nor greater than about 500 monomerrepeating units, and when R represents a bond, R optionally bonds tosaid pigment.